Kruid Iris
Bearded and Louisiana Iris Gardens
About Us
A Little Bit More About Us
We grow, breed and import Bearded and Louisiana irises close to Paarl in the Western Cape. Most of us have fond and nostalgic memories of home gardens from a gone by era coming to life each spring with swathes of those sweet smelling simple-formed purple garden Flag or Bearded irises. Dedicated iris growers have since progressed leaps and bounds in producing plants and flowers with improved form, weather resistance, reblooming capability and of course colour. We aim to share this with South African gardeners and work hard to bring these to irises home and share them with fellow enthusiasts.
Nestled at the southern tip of the Swartland, our irises have to weather some harsh winds and scorching summers with very little water. We pride ourself in growing irises as naturally and sustainably as possible. Only the toughest varieties survive making these irises excellent options for almost any garden and our goal is to share them with you.
Follow us on social media, visit the farm during spring or contact us for a catalogue of irises on offer.
New
Meet Our Bearded Iris Collection
History
The iris flower, with its captivating beauty, has a rich history that traces back to ancient civilizations, where it was revered for its striking colours and graceful form. In Greek mythology, iris was the goddess of the rainbow, symbolizing a link between heaven and earth, while in ancient Egypt, the flower adorned the tombs of pharaohs, representing resurrection and hope. Irises have been heralded as a source of orris root. This powdered root is highly prized in the perfume industry and for its medicinal properties.
Today, at Kruid Iris, we honour this profound legacy by cultivating these exquisite blooms and sharing them with fellow South African gardeners and enthusiasts. Kruid, the Afrikaans word for herb, is a tribute to this history which serves as a reminder of nature’s beauty, healing capabilities and the timeless emblem of hope that they embody. We believe that irises can make an easy, no-fuss addition to your garden.
With very little maintenance, attractive evergreen foilage and of course the promise of an enchanting multicolour show every spring, irises make an ideal addition for grass gardens, water conscious gardens and border gardens. Explore our collections below and find your favourite.
How it Works
From Our Garden to Yours
We seasonally offer irises for sale as bare-rooted rhizomes from October through to March. Our hand-dug bare-rooted rhizomes are individually labelled, dried, washed and disinfected prior to shipping to ensure a healthy plant.
Shipping commences following the bloom season, around December through March. New varieties of irises are releases annually once we’re confident that an imported variety is well adapted to thrive in South Africa and has proven itself to grow and flower. Each variety are guaranteed to be true to name.
1. First step
Contact us to share our catalogue.
Browse our varieties and make your selections.
2. Second step
Submit your order form via-email and settle your invoice via EFT. Many of the varieties are of limited supply so we advise ordering early to prevent disappointment.
3. Third step
Orders are shipped nation-wide via standard courier as bare rooted rhizomes once digging starts around December of each year. You will receive an e-mail notification when your irises have been shipped.
Waterwise and locally grown
Quality commitment
At Kruid Iris, we take pride in our commitment to quality by sourcing our iris plants from carefully selected hybridisers and growers from around the world and then growing them ourselves before sharing. This allows us to cultivate these stunning blooms in the heart of the Western Cape, and see which varieties thrive under the African sun, unrelenting winds and local soil conditions. Once we’re confident that a particular variety is suited to be shared they are made available for purchase.
Irises in your garden
Irises are extremely waterwise. Originally hailing from regions with severe hot and dry weather, irises are well suited to dry gardens. When first planting your irises, water them in every one to two days for the first week. Following this period, deep watering once to twice a week is sufficient. Bearded irises are prone to soft rot in wet and water logged soil and this should be avoided. Louisiana irises on the other hand thrive in water and bog gardens. By fostering an environment that celebrates biodiversity, we not only promote the health of our flowers but also enhance the natural beauty that each iris embodies, reflecting our dedication to sustainability and the enchanting artistry of nature.
Our Farm
Allemanskloof farm, the home of Kruid Iris Garden and Allemanskloof Horse Sanctuary
Nestled at the Southern tip of the Swartland, Allemanskloof farm is a haven for people and animals alike. With sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and farmland, this special track of land on the banks of the Klapmuts river is a place of serenity and peace. Beyond growing irises, our farm also cares for and rehabilitates rescued horses and other farm animals. We offer accommodation in The Old Dairy, a cottage ideal for weekend getaways to explore the Cape Winelands. Please follow us on Social media for more information on peak bloom season when we open the garden for visitors over weekends.
Dive into our floral haven and discover the joy of choosing from nature’s palette, where each variety tells their own story, bringing the essence of our garden directly to yours.
Where bearded iris thrive in dry gardens, Louisiana irises prefer water-logged soil, but can be grown under standard garden conditions. With evergreen, deep green sword-like leaves, they make for a steadfast display throughout the year but come spring, these clumps explode with colour. Our extensive Louisiana iris collection boasts varieties of all colours, forms and bloom sizes.
Seasonal
Discover Our Louisiana Iris Collection
Get In Contact
